animal empathy. Mental health support animals. Pet loss and sadness.Attitudes towards animals around the world
In the past, philosophers and scientists have debated the nature of animal minds. Darwin believed that animals were only more or less similar to humans, while Descartes believed that animals were nothing more than machines made of flesh. Dr Karen Hiestand, an anthropozoologist at the University of Sussex, wanted to find out if our pets really cared about us, so how owners pretend to be hurt and observe how their dogs and cats react. was photographed.
Mental health activist Marion Janner says her support dog Buddy has saved her life many times. She hears about the central role animals play in Marion’s life and how she coped when Buddy passed away last year.
During a walk in the park, we hear how a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy called Polly helped her owner Sam come to terms with the death of her previous dog, Margo. And Diane James from the Blue Cross for Pets charity explains how they provide support over the phone and online to people who have experienced pet loss.
Cats have a bit of an image problem, but Karen Hiestan criticizes them for being apparently aloof and lazy because we forget that cats are descendants of wildcats and are solitary creatures. Say.
Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Paula McGrath
(Photo: A young girl enjoys petting her cat at home. Photo credit: d3sign/Getty Images)
